Celebration of light

Chapter 25 Celebration of light…..

 Friday, I usually spend most of my day cataloging new pieces in the bowels of the gallery, known as the archive room. It’s cold and musty smelling in the basement.  Today isn’t any different, except Mr. Bird is working down here with me today, organizing our next show’s information for display purposes. Mr. Bird, or as I call him, the creepster, is a genius when it comes to art. He also has a nasty habit of staring at your breasts while talking to you. I guess with the good there is always some bad.  Sometimes he stands behind me when he talks and I know he is looking down my top. It’s purvey and unnerving and I’m happy he’s been gone for 45 minutes to discuss the “Everything Everyday” collection with our boss Mr. Brian Scott. Everything Every day is a collection centered around three themes and  includes works by Arabella Campbell, Hadley+Maxwell, Mona Hatoum, Cathie Falk, Ruth Scheuing, to name a few.   He walks back into the archive room and hovers over me. I know he’s gawking.

“There is a Mr. Jack Darcy waiting upstairs for you in the main entrance. Is that the new boyfriend?” he asks, his eyebrows are raised.

“Jack? Waiting?” I look up and ask surprised, quickly turning so his view of my boobs is obstructed slightly. “Yes, he’s my new boyfriend. Is it four now?”

“Yes.”

“Time to go.  Have a nice week end Mr. Bird.” I jump up and hurry up the stairs, two at a time, excited that Jack is here.  As I reach the main floor I see him standing at the entrance, in his black and white striped polo shirt, dark jeans and grey polo Ralph Lauren loafers, relaxed, sexy. I could just eat him up right now. 

”Jack I thought I was meeting you at my place?”

“I know I just couldn’t wait. I thought we could go to the Darcy from here.”

“But, I didn’t bring anything to change into.”

“I got you some things, I hope that’s ok? The car is just outside.”

“What kind of things?”

“Clothes for tonight, that way we could just head to the boat.”

“Oh.” I take a slight pause, “just call me Barbie.” snickering I roll my eyes.

Inside the car he hauls me into a steamy embrace and instantly his mouth is hot and heavy on mine.

“Missed you today.” He whispers against my lips.

“ Wow! I missed you too.”

“Tonight, is going to be fabulous, I can’t wait to show you off.”

“What can I expect, I’ kind of new at this sort of thing.”

Walking with my hand in his down the dock feels natural. The way he makes me feel, I’ve definitely falling for this man, boy do I have it bad, He’s pretty remarkable, not to mention strong, handsome, charming, fantastic in bed. What is not to like, or is it love?

“I love you Jack.”

“I love you too Sweet pea.”

 Would he still want me if he knew everything, Petunia? That nagging thought just won’t go away. Would he? No he wouldn’t, I try flush the thought. A man, who fears demons, sees demons everywhere.

“Something wrong?” Jack looks concerned.

“No.” I try and concentrate on the bluer than blue sky, the lapping sounds of the water as it hits the wharf, the lonesome sound of the seagulls and my hand in his. Does life get any better than this?

“Wow!!” His boat is sparkling with party light, white linen table cloths amazing and a crew. 

“I’ve invited 16 people. I never thought about it but, if you want you could invite the boys, Gerry and Chris. There is still time.” Life just got better.

“Ok I’ll give them a call.” I pick up my cell and dial them.

“Hello .”

“Hi, it’s me. Would you like to come join us on Jack’s boat for Celebration of Light?”

“See the fireworks from his boat….yes, we’d love to!”

“Great, I’ll jack explain how to get here.”

“Ok, hand him over.” Covering the mouth piece I call to Jack.

“Jack can you tell them how to get here.”

“Just tell them I’ll send Brad to get them. Say about 30 minutes.”

“Brad will pick you up in thirty minutes.”

“Fabulous darling. See you then,” he holds dar on the darling for about three beats, making it sound russian.

“Bye”

       Five hours later we are standing at the stern of the Darcy, waiting for the fire works to beging. Jack hands me a glass of wine and kisses my temple.

“Anther ten minutes and the fireworks will start. I’m just going to check something I’ll be right back.”

For me the fireworks have already started, just one touch and I start to see sky rockets. I completely yours Jack, with no escape till you’ve had your fill of me.  I have no power to say no, I’m yours – mind, body and soul.  The sound of sweet jazz fills the ship in preparation for the spectacular harmony of music and light.  “I’ll be right back sweetie.”  

I give Gerry a wave as I watch him slide a mini quiche in his mouth, from the buffet. Jack has gone all out,  cheese, fruit, quiches, amerria, even lamb sliders. And of course a fully stocked bar and a cute bar tender. Standing next to the edge, one of Jack’s friend’s moves beside me wanting to get by. I oblige him by shifting up onto a bench at the back of the boat. “Thank you.” He winks. I notice another boat moving past us in the water but, the wake is hard to see in the dark. This is a wonderful evening, I feel as though I am invincible. Nothing can touch me when I’m with Jack. I have no fear, no worries; I’m in constant dream state. My man is Zeus and he’s all mine. He is mine and I’m his. We love each other so, why am I so, afraid? I have nothing to fear he does love me, that I’m sure. I smile at the thought then without warning the boat lifts on one side and then falls, the lulling catches I off guard and my feet slip.  Losing my balance, I’m suddenly falling backwards, into the ocean.  Scrambling to hold onto something is futile. My grasp touches nothing solid; nothing keeps me from going overboard.  Descending through the darkness, motion slows and almost stands still.  I can see people as I fall, laughing, drinking their wine, enjoying themselves. Terror runs through me like a wild fire. My hair moves   across my face and through it see a small blast of fireworks, lighting up the entire sky.  Red, blue, and green sparks flash in a circular blast illuminating the whole bay, followed by an instant bang. They are beautiful, what I came here for and now I’m sorry I’m here. Then   finding my voice I scream, “JACK!  HELP! I can’t swim!”  My back hits the water first, with a sharp sting like acid on my skin. Razor sharp cold surrounds me, is this how I’m going to die? My heart’s rythym pounding in my ears at light speed, bang bang, bang bang.  As inviting as the water looked earlier, it is now deathly cold, an odd thought I suspect. Deathly cold. Petunia pops into my head, briefly and she’s gone.  I hold my breath, as I start to sink. I can’t remember what my parents looked like. Jack’s Daytona watch on my wrist is vivid in my mind.   Even in the darkness I can still make out the lights in the sky. Then panic sets in and thrashing, I can’t hold my breath any longer  and am forced to  let it out, sucking in a big breath of water, coughing . “Tonight is going to be breathtaking.” A brief memory of Tommy Dorsey getting the shit kicked out of him. Then Jacks smiling face at the hockey game, “Hi beautiful.” Momentarily my hand is above water, then under again. My nose and mouth fill with frigid salty water, it burns in my lungs. I’m drowning. Is this my end? The thought is brief and I reach up with my hands.  A moment of air, I gasp temporarily”Jack!” I yell and I’m under again.  Something is tight on my neck, I can’t breathe. It feels like a chocker strangling me. Grabbing it I realize it’s a hand.  Jack! I see him now. “Stop fighting me Libby!’  I feel a sharp sting like glass bite my cheek. Shit he just hit me, that hurts! I’m going under again and up. “Libby I’ve got you stop thrashing. You’ll drown us both.” His hand is off my neck and around my shoulders. He’s under me and I’m floating. Cough, cough.  “Easy I’ve got you.” “Jack?” cough. “I’m here, Libby, easy.” Bang another fire work explosion. I can see his face is against mine. His eyes look full of horror and his brow is entrenched with fear. “Arms around my neck, baby. Hang on to me.” I do as I’m told, feeling as though my quivering arms belong to someone else. He turns to face away from me and swims to the boat, trailing me behind, coughing and sputtering. Beside the boat he lifts my trembling body onto a platform and tells me to grab the rail but, I feel shaky. “Climb up baby.” his gentle voice coaxes. I manage to grab hold and hoist myself up the ladder. I’m week and shaking. Once I’m on board he’s right behind me. I can’t control the tremors running through my body. “Adrenalin.” Jack says as his hand touches my cheek.  Facing me he leans down with his shoulder at my hip, he grabs behind both my legs with his arm and lifts me over his shoulder.  Briskly he carries through the crowd of people, down below the main deck back into his sleeping quarters. I’m shivering uncontrollably with every muscle in my body. I don’t know if it’s cold or fear but, the music never stops, still playing the firework’s jazz. Letting my feet touch the floor he releases me from his grip and I stand. “We need to get you undressed.”

 “Are you guys ok?” brad pops his head in through the door.  “Right now, I just need to get her warm.” Putting his hands on either side of my face, “Libby, are you ok?”   

“I think I’m going to be sick.” He grabs a waste basket from the floor and holds it up to my face. Grabbing hold I lean over and empty my stomach of its contents, salty sea water and wine. Embarrassed, I try pushing him away.  He traps my hair in his hand and ponies it, still holding the basket.  And me and doesn’t leave. I see Brad leave us closing the door. Thank God, I don’t think this quite a bonding moment, there is only so, much a girl can share.

 “I think I’m done, I’m ok.”  Trying to sound mature, but feeling like an idiot. Putting the fowled basket down him wipes my face with his wet shirt.

 “Lift your hands.” He peels my wet shirt off in one easy move. I think he’s angry.  Then undoes my bra and strips me of it.

 “Are you hurt?” comes out harsh while he’s undoing my skirt. I think he’s angry. He slides the clingy linen and panties down my legs, which I willingly step out of it.

“No, I’m okay.”

 He goes into the bathroom and comes back with a glass of water and a towel. He puts the glass on the counter. Wrapping me with the towel, he rubs it briskly over my skin.

 “You’re almost blue.” His tone is Kurt. The towel feels good on my cold skin. He grabs the duvet off the bed and coats me with it.

“Drink this.” He holds the water up to my mouth. I manage to take a sip, then another. He is angry. Shit. He’s so mad at me.

 “I’m good, just cold.” His hand moves to my jaw and his eyes intensely glare into mine.

 “Why the fuck didn’t you tell me you couldn’t swim?” he snaps.

 “What?” My eyes widen.

“I invited you to spend the evening on my boat in the water, water over your head, why the hell wouldn’t you inform me you can’t swim?”

“I don’t know. I didn’t… think... it was an issue,” I whisper, in between chattering teeth.

 “Come,” he purposely grabs my wrist and maneuvers me in to the bathroom.  Letting go he reaches in to the shower stall and turns on the water. Steam begins to rise from the heat. He leaves his hand in the spray, until he’s satisfied then pulls it out and turns to face me again. Pushing the duvet off my shoulders he lets it drop to the floor.

 “Get in.” he looks me with exasperation as he strips me of my towel. Stepping into the cramped space I feel scolded but, so thankful for its warmth. I look back at Jack and he’s already naked, stepping in behind me.  I twist to face him,

 “I’m sorry, Jack” He cups my face, then sliding his hands around to hold my shoulders, he puls me tight to him.

 “What are you sorry about?”

“For ruining your evening, making you miss the fireworks and making you so mad.” I’m crying now.

“Libby, I’m not mad, Christ! You just about drowned.”

 “Not m-mad?”

 “I was scared shitless! Stop it with ruining my evening, already.” He yells. I bow my head and wait for his next move.

 “Scared?” shocked.

“Baby, what if I hadn’t got to you in time, what if I didn’t hear you? If I know you couldn’t swim, I wouldn’t have left your side.”

“You wouldn’t?”

“No, I wouldn’t. Why are you repeating everything I say? You know how I feel Libbie.”

 “Right now, strife, a bother, nuisance. No Jack I don’t think I do know how you feel. Tell me. ” starting to get mad at him.  Showing my anger in his anger.  ”

His index finger comes up to my lips, “stop it!” Standing in the shower is warm but, I wish I could hide from him, I feel so, foolish. 

“Libby, I don’t know what I did before you. Baby, you put reason in my world.” His face is softer now, kind. “I love you baby,” the words burst out of his mouth. “Are you warm?”

       “Yes.”

       “Do you want to join the crowd or do you want to stay here?”

       “I want to be with you.”
“Ok.”

“Jack.”

“What is it baby?”

“Jack, I love you too.”

When I think about it, it’s like I had this huge empty crater here.”  He puts his and on his heart. “Now it’s overflowing with a love for you.  . “I have fallen head over heels in love with you.  I don’t know what to do with myself, when you’re gone and I can wait to for us to be together again.  I can’t get enough of your touch, your voice, your smile. You’ve captured my heart. ” Jack you say the sweetest things. I throw my arms around his neck.

 “Thank you,” my voice is a whisper and kisses his mouth.